In just three short steps, kids became junior rangers during National Junior Ranger Day Saturday at Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.
As part of National Parks Week, admission was waived as participants watched a 15-minute slide show, then ventured out into the cactus garden for a scavenger hunt of desert plant life.
Finally, they tested their new knowledge by answering questions in a workbook.
In return they received Saguaro Junior Ranger badges, National Junior Ranger patches, certificates and a book about saguaros.
"I think they kind of have an investment in the park. This is a special thing being celebrated all across the country today," said park guide Jeff Wallner, who explained that a large number of the 394 national parks have their own junior ranger program, but that this one was a little more advanced.
People are also reading…
Wallner has seen kids wearing vests adorned with patches from all sorts of parks.
"It's been pretty successful today," he said. "I've noticed several local groups, too."
Contact photographer Greg Bryan at gbryan@azstarnet.com or 307-1709.
